The items you come across in the shop have mostly belonged to her with additional items from other loved ones within our family.

This is what it is all about…

Vintage Norah….a lifetime of gathering.

In the beginning around 1918 in the suburbs of Birmingham, England, a little girl came into the world. Her father was a cooper, her mother helped out and raised the family.

When Norah was six, her mother died and in diaries left by Norah which were found later, she recalls her mothers funeral with great detail. A sadness she carried with her through out her life.

Norah loved to rummage, to find a bargain and over the years she was able to ‘store’ many, many, many things!!!!

She had a soft spot for hats….we came across nearly 230! Bags, gloves, oh my it goes on!!
Many of her ‘gatherings’ have been spread around to help with fundraising and even for others to earn a ‘bob or two’.

Some of her jewellery have been recrafted into new pieces. You will find them among the listings here. (She sure knows how to keep me busy!)

For me, a grand daughter, she has given me a chance to enjoy ‘being a little girl again’ sorting through all of what you see here in the shop…it is an ongoing process.

All what you see have a story to tell, like all vintage, but on this occasion I know where and who they came from.

Please enjoy as much as I enjoy bringing this all together.

(Nan, 93 years to gather,another 93 to sort out!!!!) x

Update 2016: Since the opening of Vintage Norah, you will be glad to know her items are spreading worldwide…yep she is everywhere, right down to New Zealand. Some items have gone to museums, TV studios, galleries or revivals.
Some have been the finishing touch for a wedding oufit,a birthday gift and even a ‘must have a go with these’ gift!!!(Hair grips.) xxx ~VINTAGE NORAH on Etsy

Fresh face and ready for Spring!

Norah loved Christmas Time. Special for her because of her own strong faith and special for us , as small grandchildren, having the presents in a black bin liner…more on that HERE along with a few more memories.

One of the many things she enjoyed ( apart from singing really LOUD and wearing a hat ) was writing her poems.

Many keep turning up, even now. I’ve mentioned before about keeping one of them in my purse and thank fully, just a couple of days before she passed, I knealt beside her and we read it together. It was one of those moments you know you will keep tucked away.

Her poems , often reflected her faith and here I would like to share with you , a beautiful poem she wrote called ‘Step inside’.

Share this:

Like this:

As we enter the run up to many pre christmas parties and celebrations, I felt a little selection from the 1950 cocktail era ,was in order.
A small selection for now, to get inspiration flowing.
Enjoy.x

Share this:

Like this:

You all know by know how much I appreciate the treasuries which can curated on Etsy. Not only do they help promote all the beautiful finds on there, but I have found them an invaluable source and means in supporting all the Etsy sellers.

Sadly, Etsy have decided to no longer provide this tool and it seems to have caused a lot of sadness among those who enjoy creating and viewing them.

This one kind of says it all,

“sad to think this could be one of my last.

Please enjoy while you can (me thinks there will be other ways to continue such delights at some point!)

Etsy bring back treasuries, sad to think this could be one of my last.Here is an array of beautiful neutral pieces from the UK Only Vintage and Handmade team. Please show your appreciation for these wonderful items by viewing, hearts and sharing.

Share this:

Like this:

I have to admit to getting quite lost in the romance of where this wonderful collection of vintage luggage have travelled. The tales they must be able to tell.

Norah always enjoyed her holidays. ..and what a variety of travel she must have had through out the decades. From travelling by train to good old british seaside towns in the early years, to jetsetting to the other side of the world to enjoy the beauty of New Zealand in her later years. What a difference.

Of course there was always the time she embarked on a caoch trip to the Isle of Wight with holiday companion, Gertie (my two nans together, what a mixture!) ….they chatted that much , neither of them had realised they had been on the boat until they arrived at the hotel!!!

Share this:

Like this:

As we come to the time of year when the roads and motorways of Great Britain become laden with with us all trying to get away for that well earned break, I felt a little mooch of the good old caravan was worthy.

Norah did in fact have a caravan along the southwest coastline and I think it was called ‘Fire fly’. As I recall from past family stories there was …the time they turned up and some one else had ‘let themselves in’., the walking across fields to ask Mr Farmer for fresh milk, climbing over and falling off fences…the usual adventures of wellies and toilet paper under your arm and the ‘bucket’ for nighttime convinience!!!!

Summers of the past are always a great place to revisit to capture a childhood memory of rock pooling, paddling and getting sand in your tin teapot!

Here are a few treasures I have come across which you can find on the ever faithful ebay! Great inspiration and I love that these holidays continue…enjoyxxx

Share this:

Like this:

I love all the rustic and shabby chic craft you can find and right now I’m caught up in the romance of a swishy , swirly, take it easy while the waves gently kiss the shore…ahhh! ( An alternative is on it’s way, but in the meantime…enjoy.x

Victorian Trading Co.
Midsummer Nights Bonnet (344)
Miss Austen would revel in this milliner’s delicacy, created from a lovely mix of lace and vintage-inspired blooms, embroidered chiffon and weave. Arrives in keepsake hatbox. Made in USA of imported materials.

Victorian Trading Co.
Louise Green Santa Barbara Hat (343)
Who couldn’t appear beautiful in this poetic tuned up sisal? Created by the noted designer in her California studio, the brim is hand formed from a fine-woven sinamay straw with subtle platinum fleck. The generous silk millinery bloom with sinamay leaves

Share this:

Like this:

Norah’s 6th Great Grandson with his letter from Her Majesty – in celebration of her 90th Birthday.

As the celebrations for Her Majestys 90th birthday get under way, I thought I would share with you how it has grabbed the interest of my 6yr old son. ( Norah’s 6th Great Grandson.)

A few weeks ago, on a bright but cold weekend, he decided; quite out of the blue; to write to the Queen. Admittedly, wwe had been talking about her and he looked at photos of her and became quite fascinated of this ‘beautiful lady with the kind smile’ staring back at him.

He is finding out about the world bit by bit, and at his own pace. He asks questions and thinks about the answers given so he can put them into his own perspective. There is so much for him to discover and as a Mom, it is wonderful to this happen.

So, back to THE LETTER. He wished her a happy birthday in advance, he told her about his love of trains and as a little extra, how he should really be doing his homelearning but instead decided to write to her.

None of the advised ettiquette was followed in how to write a letter to the Queen and it was simply addressed The Queen, Buckingham Palace, London!

Bless him.

Today, one day after her 90th birthday, the postman knocks the door and chirpily says ,”we must know people in very high places!”

Here it was…a reply! Not just a letter but a celebratory card of her 90th. Along with the date it was written and sent..the 21st! her actual birthday. How special is that!

He is chuffed to bits. After a week of being poorly this very special letter has lifted his spirits.

Thank you Ma’am for quite an amazing day. ( He hopes you manage to get some rest between all the celebrations.)

Share this:

Like this:

Wishing you all a beautiful Mothers Day.

I would like to wish all mums a wonderful day.

I have been given instruction already by my young son, to make sure I don’t get out of bed on Sunday morning…he is going to make breakfast. Which is a beautiful thing for him to do and being only six, I suspect it just may be a jam sandwich and told to make my own cup of tea because it is hot things!

It is all from love within his heart, and as a mom, my greatest treasure.

This time of year I tend to share an image of one of Norahs brooches, which will be kept. It cabouchon, which simply says ‘Mother.’

The sentiment behind this , is to remember Norahs own Mom. Sadly, her Mother died when Norah was only six years old. Yet in writings that were found among Norahs treasures , were the clear memories she had of that particular time. Recollections of the funeral and people she saw along the way. You can read a little bit more about it here.

So, from one Mother to another, enjoy your day, treasure each moment and relax if you can…unless you are still working through the laundry for the weekend!

xxx

Share this:

Like this:

You see, while I sit here tonight, having had one of those crazy housecleaning moments, where no corner was going to be left. I have a feeling ,Spring will arrive…soon..in a few weeks maybe!!! In the meantime, I thought I would capture this ‘fresh spring feel’.

A gathering from various etsy shops. Very talented and as ever extremely creative in the work they produce.

Share this:

Like this:

Couldn’t let this week pass by, without mentioning ‘My Fair Lady’!

So, a little treat is needed I think .

For the beautiful Audrey Hepburn as Eliza,…” For her first public tryout, Higgins takes Eliza to his mother’s box at the Ascot racecourse. Henry’s mother reluctantly agrees to help Eliza make conversation, following Henry’s advice that Eliza should stick to two subjects: the weather and everybody’s health. Eliza makes a good impression at first with her polite manners but later shocks everyone by her vulgar Cockney attitudes and slang. “

Who designed the dress?

Designed by legendary costume designer Cecil Beaton.

Beaton asked his mother on her own early wardrobe and asked his friend Diana Cooper what her mother, the Duchess of Rutland, had worn for Ascot.

She replied, “Certainly cream, a straw hat trimmed, of course, by herself with little bits of bird’s breast and/or ribbon in dirty pink; wide-ish brimmed and fairly shallow, and the Sarah Bernhardt fringe in front. Good beige gloves. Very high heeled shoes she hoped didn’t show. Parasol, of course!”

Audrey Hepburn’s dress is certainly one of the most impressive examples of Edwardian finery ever stitched.

It is constructed of a silk linen undergarment with back zipper closure, overlaid with fine lace which is hand-embroidered in a delicate flower motif.

The dress is trimmed in black velvet striped ribbon, with a large bow at the left breast. Inside the left cuff, a bias label is written in blue ink (which has faded over time),

The large picture hat is constructed of a lightweight cotton burlap, trimmed in black velvet with white and black ostrich feathers on one side, as well as a small sprig of faux lavender pansies attached to the crown.

Finishing the ensemble is the obligatory white parasol of matching lace fabric.

What happened to this gorgeous costume?

This gorgeous gown, which is featured in nearly every image associated with the film, is considered to be Cecil Beaton’s magnum opus.

Worn by the lovely Audrey Hepburn in the most memorable scene of the film, it is without question one of the finest screen-worn garments ever made.

In June 2011, the whole outfit sold for 3.700,00.00 usd. In auction and was part of the Debbie Reynolds collection.

Share this:

Like this:

A new page for you here at Vintage Norah…TREASURIES…oh yes…another!!!!

It is a collection of treasuries on Etsy which Vintage Norah has put together over the last year. A bit hit and miss but, I do enjoy a little escape from time to time, and for me, I do find I get carried away and quite absorbed.

Share this:

Like this:

Vintage Norah….keeping me busy.

For those of you familiar with ‘ VintageNorah’, well, this is the recrafted side of things.

Sorting through Norahs gatherings we came across; in true Norah fashion: costume jewellery kept in a musical stool and ‘the box’. An heirloom made by her ‘cooper maker’ father quite possibly pre 1900’s when he was a young lad.

Many pieces are orphaned earrings, broken necklaces, general bits and bobs and I felt they should be given the chance to re-adorn and sparkle in beauty rather being hidden and left in the dark.

I include in each listing which parts are new and parts which are current, which is very often the findings.

I want to keep it simple, and each piece comes together only once I have sat, sorted,cleaned…hey presto, this just might look good!

Over the coming weeks ( or sooner) you shall begin to find them listed within the ‘Recrafted’ section of the shop.

Please enjoy and appreciate the individual love and uniqueness that has gone into the jewellery recrafted by Norahs youngest granddaughter.x

Share this:

Like this:

So, after a brief visit back to my hometown in the Midlands this past week, I found myself hearing something I haven’t heard since my childhood. The Rag and Bone Man.

As a child , each week , there would be the distant sound of what I can only imagine to be a ‘battered trumpet’ . This would be the ‘call to action’. You would know he was on his way and with each dented ‘blast’ you knew he was getting closer. If there was anything you wanted to leave out for him, you would be doing a quick round up to get it ready outside your house or one of the family would have to keep a look out for him.

Sad to say I don’t think I ever saw him, I only heard him. And I still haven’t seen him!!!!! One thing I do know is the sound of the trumpet still sounds battered but is played on a ‘loop’.

(have just come across this clip with the sound of the trumpet….now you know what I mean by sounding battered!!!!)

My understanding of the Rag and Bone Man was that he would come round to take away any unwanted/old/broken household goods. I assume he would then be able to sell what he could for scrap. Recycling?!!! Of course the other term which comes to mind is ‘one mans rubbish is another mans treasure.’ (I do like that term very much!) Heres an old ‘information film’ for you about the rag and bone man in the fifties….

Of course in TV terms it is easy to automatically think of the great sitcom ‘Steptoe & Son’, a show which would make Norah chuckle as it reminded her of growing up and her Father and brother bickering in the same way as the characters portrayed.Her family also had a horse & cart and I think the horses name was ‘white socks’.

STEPTOE & SON ~ A Great old sitcom. Click to see on old episode ‘Is that your Horse outside.’

There you go, a little trip down memory lane. Are there any ‘sounds from your childhood’ which you haven’t heard for while? xxx

Share this:

Like this:

How Wonderful to hear and see the beautiful ‘brooch’ is making a comeback for this year. It’s been a while, eh?

Norah has ..ahem…MANY! A selection have been listed and many more are in the queue!!

Among them have been UK Sarah Coventry, Exquisite and Cororcraft to name a few.

Whether to brighten up the outfit you are wearing, to join a scarve, even to adorn a hat (just like Norah) I’m sure you will see something as time goes on which will catch your eye. ( I won’t mention the time I used a brooch to hold a pair of trousers together when the button came off….mind you, it looked pretty good!!!)

Share this:

Like this:

OOH…YOU SMELL NICE!

I will be the first to admit that this is one of the nicest compliments a girl could have. However, I do recall many years ago having…ahem.. a moment! There was a slight language barrier , I was told ‘oooh, you smell nice.What do you smell with?’ I don’t think ‘my nose’ was the right answer in an attempted romantic moment…but,it was the answer I gave!!!

There is a point to all of this. ..Vintage Norah now has 2 new pages added to the blog.